SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), and the Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended by the National Forest Management Act 1976 (NFMA), the Forest Service (FS) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to amend the Toiyabe National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and the Carson City and Battle Mountain Resource Management Plans. This notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The FS is the lead agency on the EIS. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is participating as a cooperating agency to insure the NEPA can be used to adequately cover their RMP amendment. This analysis will be the basis of three records of decision. The development of this EIS will be coordinated across management units of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, BLM Carson City District, and BLM Battle Mountain District and include areas in western Nevada and eastern California. These management units include the Bridgeport Ranger District and Carson Ranger Districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, BLM Carson City and Battle Mountain Districts. These management units include areas identified as habitat for the Greater Sage Grouse Bi-State Distinct Population Segment.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by January 30, 2013. The EIS is expected June, 2013 and the final EIS is expected September, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact James Winfrey, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Project Manager, telephone (775) 355-5300; address 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks, Nevada 88431; email jwinfrey@fs.fed.us. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-(800) 877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.

In all correspondence, please include your name, address, and organization name if you are commenting as a representative of an organization.

USFS and BLM Begin Sage-Grouse Planning Efforts for Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Carson City and Battle Mountain Districts

November 30, 2012 – The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have published a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to amend the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Carson City, and Battle Mountain Resource Management Plans (RMP), which provide management frameworks for public lands in western Nevada and eastern California.

This proposed action is part of a national strategy implemented by USFS and BLM to aid in the conservation of the greater sage-grouse and to provide that conservation measures are included in each respective RMP across the western United States. These actions could significantly impact OHV access in addition to other current land uses.This NOI represents the beginning of the scoping process and comment period. The purpose of the scoping process is to determine relevant issues relating to the conservation of the greater sage-grouse that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including the development of management alternatives. Initial issues to be considered as part of the EIS planning process include recreation management, transportation system and facilities management, and rights of way management.

Comments on the scope of the analysis will be accepted until January 30, 2013. It is important that OHV enthusiasts get involved in the designation process by contacting Forest staff. Comments should be submitted to James Winfrey, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks, NV 89523.

For further information, please contact James Winfrey, Project Manager, at (775) 355–5300 or at jwinfrey@fs.fed.us